The France international played a key role in Bayern's historic treble win in 2012-13 and has been an impressive form in the opening months of the new season, making him one of the favorites to dethrone the Barcelona star and add to his UEFA Best Player in Europe honors.

"Compared to them, I work much harder. I do a lot more defending than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and provide more assists," Ribery told Kicker. "It would be fantastic to actually win the FIFA Ballon d'Or when you have a shot at winning it.

"I have even more confidence in myself than before and that shows on the pitch. I am on top of my game and score a lot of goals. I am really enjoying myself on the pitch."

Messi has been named the world's top player in each of the last four years, with Ronaldo finishing as runner-up in three of those campaigns.